Patents Assigned to Staar, S.A.
  • Patent number: 7150027
    Abstract: A transfer device is provided that ensures transfer of information carriers of different dimensions due to a single loading device including a detection mechanism means (32) associated with linking elements (40). Upon the insertion of an information carrier, the linking elements (40) cooperates with a projection (50A, 50B) set in relation with the size of the inserted information carrier. The projection is supported by a slider (52) that actuates clamping and driving mechanisms to ensure the setting of the inserted information carrier in its operative position. Thus, the synchronization between the clamping and driving mechanisms is made in relation with the size of said carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stéphane Marie André d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Publication number: 20050249102
    Abstract: A transfer device is provided that ensures transfer of information carriers of different dimensions due to a single loading device including a detection mechanism means (32) associated with linking elements (40). Upon the insertion of an information carrier, the linking elements (40) cooperates with a projection (50A, 50B) set in relation with the size of the inserted information carrier. The projection is supported by a slider (52) that actuates clamping and driving mechanisms to ensure the setting of the inserted information carrier in its operative position. Thus, the synchronization between the clamping and driving mechanisms is made in relation with the size of said carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Applicant: STAAR S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Publication number: 20050050562
    Abstract: A loading device for loading and unloading an information carrier with respect to a recording/playback unit is provided. The loading device includes a pair of gripping elements that are actuatable between an engaged position wherein the gripping elements grip the information carrier therebetween and a disengaged position wherein the gripping elements are spaced apart from each other. A transport mechanism moves the gripping elements during loading and unloading of the information carrier. The gripping elements are supported by the transport mechanism for movement relative to the transport mechanism. A control mechanism is provided for actuating the gripping elements to the engaged position when the gripping elements are moved by the transport mechanism during loading of the information carrier and to the disengaged position when the gripping elements are moved by the transport mechanism during unloading of the information carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Applicant: STAAR S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Publication number: 20040196753
    Abstract: A loading device for loading an information carrier into a recording/playback unit is provided. The loading device includes a pair of gripping elements that are actuatable to grip the information carrier therebetween. A transport mechanism moves the gripping elements during the loading of the information carrier. The gripping elements are supported by the transport mechanism for movement relative to the transport mechanism. A control mechanism is provided for actuating the gripping elements when the gripping elements are moved by the transport mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: STAAR S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane Marie Andre d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 6377538
    Abstract: A cartridge housing for a recording disc has a thin, flat, substantially circular shape and includes a cover and a bottom at least one of which has an aperture allowing access by a reading or recording head of a reading/recording unit to a recording surface of a contained disc. A flat shutter is pivotally mounted around a shaft inside the cartridge housing for movement between aperture-closed and aperture-open positions responsive to limited relative rotational movement of the cover and bottom. An actuating leg extending from the shutter adjacent an edge diametrically opposite the shaft location cooperates with a arcuate chamber in the adjacent peripheral edge of the cover to move the shutter between the aperture-closed and aperture-open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane Marie Andre d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 6155509
    Abstract: A multi-cassett loading and unloading system having a housing which has defined locations for different size cassettes such as the Standard (large size) and Mini (small size) cassettes of the DVC (digital video) format, which are distinguished by different center-to-center spacing of the tape reels. The housing is movable horizontally and vertically during the loading and unloading operations. An element of a connection between the housing and a mobile member engages and thereby detects which size cassette is in the housing. A linkage between the mobile member and the driving members adjusts a spacing of the driving members responsive to horizontal translation of the mobile member by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventors: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc, Veosamouth Sisopha
  • Patent number: 6126036
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing articles of regular shape, such as boxes, from adjacent compartments in which articles are stored in stacks, each of the compartments having a bottom aperture. A dispensing device is mounted below for movement in-between the compartments and includes a mobile carriage supported on guiding members to translate forward-and-back below one compartment when positioned therebelow. A reversible electric motor is connected to the carriage by a timing pulley and belt drive including a timing pulley attached to a control shaft on the carriage. A pair of fingers are mounted to the rotary control shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventors: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc, Jean-Claude Dombret
  • Patent number: 6115207
    Abstract: A loading apparatus for incorporation in an automated system for storing and/or delivering cassettes containing media recording tapes or discs, or other products such as perfumes, cosmetics, and drugs. The apparatus provides storage locations for cassettes in compartments arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. In use with media recording tapes or discs, the apparatus includes operating locations at which recording/playback units, for example, VCRs, are mounted in the system in a vertical column adjacent a column of storage compartments. A loading/delivery location is also provided. A loading/unloading apparatus includes a carrier having a movable gripping mechanism mounted for horizontal and vertical movement adjacent the storage unit for gripping and transferring a selected cassette to and from the carrier. The carrier is movable to carry a selected cassette horizontally and vertically between cassette storage compartments and operating, loading, and delivery locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Staar S. A.
    Inventors: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc, Veosamouth Sisopha
  • Patent number: 6065694
    Abstract: A flow limiter device for liquid delivery systems including a pipe having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, two adjacent chambers within the pipe through which liquid flows between the inlet and outlet, one chamber being smaller than the other chamber, a valve member movably mounted in the pipe for movement between a flow-limiting position and a full-flow position, and an internal control element which, when actuated from outside the device, causes the valve member to shift from the flow-limiting to the full-flow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5956310
    Abstract: A housing with one or more compartments for storage of discs, and a disc transfer mechanism mounted in each compartment including a mobile disc support mounted for rolling movement between inside and outside the compartment to transfer a disc in a transfer plane extending through the compartment, between a position wherein the disc is located entirely within the compartment and a position wherein a portion of the disc or the entire disc is located outside the compartment in front of a front wall, the mobile disc support including a disc support member which has elements locating or holding the disc relative to the disc support member during disc transfer and a segment presenting a curved outer edge which is maintained in rolling contact with an inner edge of a lateral member carried on a side wall of the compartment as the mobile disc support rolls without sliding to transfer a disc between its positions. The disc transfer mechanism can be combined with a disc player or recorder apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5828537
    Abstract: A read device for cassettes with electronic memory allows a cassette to be inserted in the read device without requiring the cassette to be loaded in an operative position in a recording/playback unit. Fragile contacts of the read device are protected from damage by an orientation and locking pin cooperating with a centering hole in the cassette shell so the contacts engage the memory terminals of a cassette only when the cassette is properly positioned. The contacts are engaged only when the cassette is locked in position. The terminals and contacts are relatively movable solely in their common planes. If the cassette is presented to the read device upside down or wrong side first, or lacks a centering hole in the required location, entry is blocked, the contacts are not exposed and engagement of the terminals by the cassette is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5788174
    Abstract: A centering mechanism for centering cassettes in a defined location in a housing of a cassette loading/unloading system for recording/playback apparatus, each of the cassettes having a shell with a bottom face and an information carrier within the shell, and each of the cassettes having a similar cavity with a standard profile on the bottom face of the cassette which provides access to the information carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M.A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5675451
    Abstract: A cassette loading mechanism operable with first and second type similar size magnetic tape cassettes such as analog cassettes (CC) and digital cassettes (DCC) which are parallelepiped cassettes having a discontinuity on an external surface; the cassette loading mechanism having: a sensing mechanism which distinguishes between the types of cassettes, when correctly presented, and which blocks movement to the fully inserted position of cassettes mis-presented upside down or with sides inverted; the sensing mechanism including a cassette-type-sensing lever movable from an initial position to first and second positions representing, respectively, the type of cassette responsive to engagement with a surface discontinuity distinguishing the type of cassette correctly presented and inserted in the housing, and a movable slider member which is normally blocked against movement by the sensing lever, and prevents mis-presented cassettes being moved to the fully inserted position, and which is allowed to move with corr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventors: Stephane M. d'Alayer, Michel C. G. Mortier
  • Patent number: 5581431
    Abstract: A playback/recording apparatus, which operates with a recording tape medium, having a playback/recording head and tape driving capstan/pinch rollers mounted in cooperative relation, a loading/unloading mechanism which loads and unloads the tape medium between a loading/unloading position and an operative position associated with the playback/recording head and tape driving capstan/pinch rollers, a single power source, a mobile element which is driven by the power source along a linear path in forward and return stroke movements, the power source being controlled to shift the mobile element to different locations along its linear path responsive to a function change instruction to the power source, a selectively operated ratchet for connecting the mobile element to operate the loading/unloading mechanism in the course of a loading and unloading phase of the forward and return stroke movements to load and unload a tape medium, and a connection from the mobile element to set the reversal mechanism which is opera
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5530761
    Abstract: A control process and apparatus which automatically ensures adjustment of the volume of sound delivered by a sound reproduction source, such as a car radio, as a function of the ambient sound signals so that the user has the sensation of listening to an audio program which is maintained at the same sound level regardless of variations in disturbing noise level. The apparatus uses a microphone which picks up the ambient sound signals and employs computer circuitry operating under program control for determining the average level of the ambient sound signals; circuits are used which supply signals to the computer representing the level of the sound delivered by the sound reproduction source; under program control the computer determines the difference in level between the ambient sound signal and the delivered sound signal to obtain a result (S.sub.OM) representing the value of the user's listening comfort. This value (S.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5480313
    Abstract: An electrical fitting to be connected to an end of a cable, including an automatic disconnect mechanism which separates the electrical fitting from a mating electrical fitting responsive to a pull on the cable, the electrical fitting comprising at least one thrust member mounted for axial movement in ejection and retraction strokes between retracted and projecting positions and a trigger system which causes a pull on the cable of greater than a predetermined force to release the thrust members from the retracted position, the thrust members being moved axially in the ejection stroke to the projecting position by a resilient member after release to engage a fixed element associated with a mating fitting and cause the casing and the electrical contact elements therein to be moved by reaction and separated from contact elements of the mating fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5465246
    Abstract: A blocking device for insuring that the insertion movement of a cartridge is impeded immediately if the cartridge is not properly oriented when inserted by the user in loading apparatus for flat, rectangular cartridges with a casing having longer longitudinal edges than transverse edges parallel top and bottom faces, and transverse-edge grooves that are asymmetrical relative to the parallel faces. The apparatus has an entrance through which a cartridge when properly oriented is inserted front-edge first in a direction perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5429516
    Abstract: A plug assembly which can be inserted in the socket of a standard receptacle, the adaptor providing a socket into which a terminal plug on the end of a cord may be inserted, and the disconnect mechanism of the adaptor having an actuator which is rotatable by a user with small effort to eject the terminal plug from the adaptor leaving the adaptor inserted in the receptacle. A second embodiment of adaptor according to the invention is applied to a socket assembly which can be mated on the plug of a terminal fitting of the end of a cord or cable, the adaptor providing a plug which may be inserted into a the socket of a standard receptacle, and the disconnect mechanism of the adaptor having an actuator which is rotatable by a user with small effort to eject the adaptor-plug from the receptacle-socket leaving the adaptor connected to the terminal plug on the end of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. A. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5307331
    Abstract: A disc support and transfer mechanism for a disc changer including a magazine for supporting a plurality of discs in generally parallel vertical storage planes, and a disc transfer mechanism for transferring a selected disc from the magazine along a vertical transfer plane aligned with its vertical storage plane, the disc transfer mechanism including a longitudinally movable transfer bar extending over the magazine, the magazine and the frame being mounted for relative movement to position the transfer bar in an initial position above the selected disc resting in the magazine. First and second arms extend vertically down from the bar, the first arm being fixed to the transfer bar and the second arm being pivotably mounted to the transfer bar. The arms are located so that neither arm initially engages the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc
  • Patent number: 5271063
    Abstract: A apparatus and method for permitting perception of the nature of a selected function of an audio/video reproduction apparatus by varying an adjustment of the function selected. The selected function (such as speaker balance, bass, treble, or fade) is identified to the user by automatically varying the adjustment of the selected function between two predetermined settings. This allows the user to adjust the audio/video apparatus without distracting his attention from the road in a moving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Staar S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane M. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc